An exploration of strategies for facilitating Graduates ‘transition to the world of work: a case of technical, vocational educational education and training graduates in Uganda.

Abstract

The major role of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is to equip young persons with skills for the world of work. However, studies have shown that TVET graduates in Uganda experience difficulty in their transition to the world of work, implying major labor market entry problems. The study, we set out to identify different strategies for facilitating TVET graduates’ transition to the world of work in Uganda. A qualitative approach was used to collect data, analyze and present findings. Thirty respondents, comprising of employers of TVET graduates, trainers and officials from: skilling Uganda, Uganda employers’ union, Ministry of education officials, and TVET graduates in formal employment were randomly selected and interviewed. The various strategies identified were: use of employment agencies, income generating units at the institutions, institutional-industrial linkages, provision of start-up capital, tools and materials for self-employment, training with production and internship/ industrial attachments programs. It is recommended that an active labour market information system be established at TVET institutions to analyze, collect, evaluate and provide labour market information to identify evolving occupations, skills shortages and areas of skills oversupply and redundancy; that there should be an increase in apprenticeship programs and that TVET institutions adopt approaches such as case studies, project-based learning, real life problem-based learning, and teamwork learning activities.